We can confirm this ad was not approved by McDonald’s. And, as soon as we learned about it, we asked that it be taken down immediately. We have an approval process in place, with our marketing and advertising agencies, to ensure that all advertising content is consistent with our brand values. Regrettably, in this incident, that process was not followed. We sincerely apologize for this error.

Arnold apologizes for its mistake to McDonald’s and to anyone who was offended by the ad. McDonald’s did not approve the ad, and its release was our unintended error. We’ve addressed the issue and have improved our approval process to ensure this does not happen in the future.

“The McDonald’s advertisement in question is part of a larger, unapproved, campaign that pokes fun at stereotypical subway ads,” Business Insider explains. “The personal injuries lawyer ad promises to ‘get you the sausage you deserve.’ The continuing education spoof reads, ‘It’s never too late for an Angus Bacon Cheese.’”